Power Shut Down Issue

[SAS]

Hi all looking for some advice, as I am pulling my hair out and HP tech Support don't even deserve the name.

I have a HP 708.uk (crappy but cheap) system running 2003 Server with exchange on it for the family, its acting as a DNS Server and Domain controller as well. However on the (few) occasions I have had to switch the machine off or reboot to fix something, it gets to the screen "Windows is shutting down" and nothing happens, the vga still has an output, mouse/keyboard work/lightup however the PC just refuses to go to the next step, I tried Win2k PRO, Win2k Server, and XP (both Versions) all have the same issue. Finally phoned HP today and was told its a "Feature" if you don't use there OS and they wont do anything other than get me to do a restore (which i dont want to do) my question is does anyone know of a workaround that will allow this PC to reboot? I for one think the support people were lying as they never knew what was happening and it wasn't in there systems

Any help very much appreciated.

Thanks

[glc]

That's not a supported operating system - a Pavilion is not a suitable server. You are probably going to have to live with it. HP will not give you any support when you install a nonsupported OS, this is nothing new, it's been this way for years. If you want a server, buy or build a server, not a proprietary home desktop box.

[SAS]

Originally Posted by glc That's not a supported operating system - a Pavilion is not a suitable server. You are probably going to have to live with it. HP will not give you any support when you install a nonsupported OS, this is nothing new, it's been this way for years. If you want a server, buy or build a server, not a proprietary home desktop box.

Thats far enough but when the problem is over 5 OS's I wouldn't say that is a software issue would you?

[glc]

Is all the hardware in that box as delivered or have you added/changed any stuff?

[SAS]

no all pre installed.

[glc]

Oh well - proprietary machines with proprietary Windows loads............

I wish I had some more suggestions but I don't. You are at the mercy of HP, not a place I'd like to be. Maybe you can try disabling the hardware you don't need for your use - such as the sound card, dialup modem, etc. and uninstall those drivers. All you *should* need for a server is video and NIC.

[SAS]

thanks I just think they have a cheek saying "You can't install anything on the machine we don't ship with it" which is what I was told when I complained and got a call back from them.

Its not really a major issue, but it is annoying.

Thanks anyway

[glc]

"You can't install anything on the machine we don't ship with it"

All too common with name brand prebuilt machines - and HP/Compaq have historically been the worst about this. You wanna see a mess? I had a customer a few years ago that tried to turn a Compaq Presario into a Novell server.

[SAS]

Originally Posted by glc All too common with name brand prebuilt machines - and HP/Compaq have historically been the worst about this. You wanna see a mess? I had a customer a few years ago that tried to turn a Compaq Presario into a Novell server.

Yeah atleast I am not that stupid

I have passed there comments onto Trading Standards as it violates my rights to install what I want on my machine, so I will see what happens.

[glc]

They aren't violating any rights. They are not preventing you from installing what you want, just because it doesn't work right is not illegal - it's just a pain in the rear and a big reason why I stay away from proprietary hardware.

[SAS]

yeah they are glc, phone call today saying "Read the Warrenty we don't allow you to install anything on your machine if you want service from us" I recorded it so it is with Trading standards now for investigation.

The funny thing is I bought a PC from Advent who can't be more helpful with A OS version not there own, should of bought 2 by them, was just in a bad mood when I bought the HP couldn't be bothered building one, last time I ever buy from them.

Thanks

[hobey19]

i don't think that that they mean you can't install it but rather that they can not support it. i understand where you are coming from, but how many people would attempt to install server 2003 on a system like that? they can't support something that a fraction of a percent of the population might do. that would be a tech support nightmare. rather, by keeping their support strictly to the product as they shipped it, they can offer better, more specialized support on the product they sold, because it is as how they intended. i don't think it should be tech supports job to help with off-the-wall DIY projects.

craig

[glc]

we don't allow you to install anything on your machine if you want service from us

That's not illegal. If you install aftermarket parts on your car that don't meet the manufacturer's standards, your warranty is gone. Heck, they will deny a warranty claim if you blow your engine and can't prove that you have changed your oil and filter in accordance with their prescribed intervals with approved oil and filters.

Not trying to beat a dead horse here, but they are fully within their rights to not support any modifications. I just prefer not to do business with such manufacturers.